Monuments-peeping
into the past
Monuments are great tellers of History. Volumes they speak on Culture, tradition
and socio-political scenes in days of yore. The protected monuments come
under
the administration of Archeology Department of Kerala . Here follows a list
of the monuments

Thiruvananthapuram

PADMANABHAPURAM

Padmanabhapuram
Palace is an ancient historical monument representing the indigenous architectural
features especially the in the traditional style of southern Kerala. The
palace is situated in the centre of the Padmanabhapuram fort with an area
of 186 acres amidst hills, dales and rivers. All the buildings in it are
elegantly designed and display a simplicity of architectural style characterised
by pointed gables, dormer windows and long corridors. The earliest of
structures was built about 1335 AD. The most noteworthy edifices are the
Entrace Hall (Poomukham), the Council Chamber (Mantrasala), the Natakasala
(Theatre Hall), the Pooja Mandapa (place of worship), the Saraswathy shrine
and above all the Uppirikka Malika (storeyed building) which contain well
preserved mural paintings.

In
the southern side of the main complex of Padmanabhapuram Palace but outside
the compound wall there is a small palace. It is actually a traditional
building in the style of a Nalukettu. This wonderful architectural elegance
shows the beauty of our domestic architecture. Now a Heritage museum is
housed in this building.

Padmanabhapuram
was the capital of erstwhile Travancore State till 1792. Now it is in
Thakkala village Kanyakumari district in Tamilnadu State. But the Palace
and adjacent area of 6.5 acres of land is placed under the control of
the Govt. of Kerala .

PANDAVANPARA

Pandavanpara
is monument standing in gigantic manner, protected by a kind of granite
pagoda like natural rock facing west, covers an area of about 96 cents
occuring between two huge boulders on a hillock sufficiently spacious
to accommodate nearly fifty people. This peculiar shelter has engravings
of deep kind, unique by itself on its walls and especially the lower portion
at the entrance. The engravings at the entrance are mostly floral while
on the interior some human figures could be seen in the hunting posture
with bow and arrow. This particular characteristic of engraving and polishing
in the gate would show that htis work is executed most probably by theNeolithic
People.

KOLLAM

KOTTUKAL
ROCK CUT TEMPLE

The Kottukal rock cut temple represents an out standing and typical example
for the Rock cut Temple style of Kerala. It has two cells on either side
with Sivalingas in each with a projection carrying the figure of Ganapathy
at the centre. The mukhamandapa of the large cell has two pillars carved
in rock. The wall of the mukhamandapa carries a Ganapathy figure. There
is a monolithic Nandi in each cave. One of the riches of the sanctum santorum
carries the figure of Hanuman near the monolithic Nandi, probably intended
to recollect the Nandi-vanara episode in the Ramayana. It is dated to
8-9th Centuries A.D. Kerala government declared it as a protected monument
in 1966. The temple is located at Ittiva village in Kottarakkara Taluk.

MADAN
KAVU

Mangadu
is a megalithic site situated 8 kms. north-east of Kollam town. The site
is located very near to 'Madan kavu', a small traditional temple. This
urn burial site is demarcated on the surface with uneven blocks of laterite
with an area of approximately 10 x 10 meters. The stone blocks form three
circles and are in slanting position.

CHENNAMATH
TEMPLE

This old Siva temple has circular vimana. It is ekathala alpavimana. It
is of sandhara type. Two armed dwarapalakas in stone work is seen here
on the flanks of the main door entrance. The Balipita is on the open outside
the prakara door on the eastern side. It is a unitary temple but with
an interesting array of Kostha devadas on the wall Gavakshas. The windows
are set with in the pilastered divisions of the wall. It is an early medieval
Kerala type . The temple is situated at Meenad village in Kollam district.

SUSPENSION
BRIDGE PUNALUR

The
suspension bridge spanning the Kallada River in Punalur is the only one
of its kind in south India and it is 400 ft. long. As this bridge erected
in 1877 is found to be not strong enough to cope with the mounting flow
of pasenger and goods traffic, a new concrete bridge is constructed near
by. The Suspension Bridge is now of archaeological interest only. Its
construction was commenced in 1871-72 and completed in 1877-78 AD. Located
at Punalur village in Pathanapuram Taluk.

PATHANAMTHITTA

ROCK
CUT TEMPLE, THRIKKAKUDY

It
is the oldest cave temple in Kerala. It belongs to the latter half of
the 8th centruy AD if not earlier as suggested by its close resemblance
to later Pallava work. The cave is 19 feet 8 inches broad and 8 feet 6
inches high. Two pillars, 8 feet 8 inches in height, divide the breadth
of the cave into three openings, two of which are 5 feet broad the other
being only 4 feet 8 inches. The central shrine is a cylindrical rock cut
linga. The entrance is facing west.

Inside
the square garbhagriha, Sivalinga is fixed on rectangle peeta. Two dwarapalaka
figures are seen. One of them is of a local chieftain and the other carrying
'gada', On the north and south walls of the ardha mandapa there is a figure
of Chathurbhuja Ganapathi and a 'Bhikshu' respectively. Location: Thiruvalla
Taluk in Pathanamthitta District. ALAPPUZHA

NARASIMHA
TEMPLE, CHATHANKULANGARA

This
beautiful temple Contains many wooden sculptures which are considered
to be of 14th century AD. Temple structure is Chaturasra alpavimana. Nirandhara
type, although having a passage around the sanctum. Above the Granite
adhistana the outer wall is ornamented with 21 panels of different wooden
sculptures of deities and puranic scenes. Dwarapalakas on both sides.
Balipita is well outside the inner scheme. Dhwajastambha is in the open.
The temple is situated at ChengannoorTaluk in Alappuzha district.

BUDDHA
IMAGE AT KRISHNAPURAM PALACE

This
Buddha Image is of 96 cm. height. It is in yogasana posture. Jvala, and
the upper cloth on the left shoulder which spread over the chest with
many foldings is very clear. It is datable to 9th century A.D. This image
was encountered from Maruthoor Kulangara near Karunagappally is now in
better state of protection. Located at Karthikapally Taluk in Alappuzha
district.

BUDDHA
IMAGE AT MAVELIKKARA

This
Buddha Image is about 3 feet height including the pedestal upon which
it is seated. It has the jvala, usnisha and the upper cloth over the chest
to indicate its Buddhist character. The sculpture as exhibited highly
skilled crafts - manship in depicting the characteristic ornamentations.
The jvala is prominent. The image is in the yogasana posture.It is datable
to the 9th century A.D. Located at Mavelikkara village in Alappuzha district.

BUDDHA
IMAGE AT KARUMADI

This
image of Buddha is popularly known as Karumadikkuttan. It is made of black
stone. Its left hand is broken and lost. Several stories are told in the
area that are associated with the intallation of the iamge in the site.
The usnisha, javala, and traces of the upper cloth passing over the chest
indicates that it is a Budha Image. It is about 3ft. high and is in the
yogasana posture. It is datable to 8th century A.D. It was declared as
protected monument in 1965, with 10 cents of land around it. Situated
at Ambalappuzha Taluk in Alappuzha district.

BUDDHA
IMAGE AT BHARANIKAVU

This
Buddha Image is executed very elegantly; the upper cloth, particularly
the many folded part of it passing over the left shoulder and lying flat
on the chest. The usnisha and jvala are prominent. It is in yogasana posture.
Now the image is inside the compound of Bharanikavu Badrakali Temple.
It was declared as protected monument by Travancore Government in 1941
and is located at Kattanam village in Alappuzha district.

KRISHNAPURAM
PALACE

This
palace is the best example for the Kerala style architectural buildings,
especially the residence of local Chief-tains and royal palaces of Travancore.
Its gabled roof, narrow stair - cases, dormer windows, classical impluva,
heavy doors, narrow corridors etc. are worth to be mentioned. It carries
one of the largest mural paintings of the the 18th century school in Kerala,
covering an area of 150 sq.ft. An archaeological museum is also accommodated
inside the palace. The palace and the surrounding area is declared as
protected . Location: Karthikappally Taluk in Alappuzha district.

q
Location : Perumkadavila village in Neyyyattinkara Taluk

KOIKKAL
KOTTARAM

The ancient palace at Nedumangad is famous in history as the residence
of the Perakom Collateral branch of the ancient Venad Dynasty. This palace
shows the general architectural characteristics of a typical old and influential
Kerala house. The gabled roof, the corridors, the nalukettu style and
the mainly wooden character of its constrution that are seen in the Koikkal
Palace representing the stylistic perfection of the medieval architecture
of Southern Kerala.

Now a folklore and Numismatic Museum, the first of its kind in Kerala
has been organised here by the Archaeology Department. The rich and varied
collection of musical instruments, occupational implements, house hold
utensils, models of folk art forms and rare ancient coins etc. displayed
here represents the rich cultural heritage of the past.

q
Location : Nedumangad Taluk , Thiruvananthapuram District.

BHAGAVATHY
TEMPLE VIZHINJAM

This
ancient Devi (Sapta matrukkal) temple is in a square plan representative
of the Chola Type. The base pillars etc. are in stone. The super structure
is in the shape of a dome. It is a simple structure with sanctum sanctorum
and ardhamandapa. The temple is dated back to 9th - 10th century A.D.
It is the earliest structural temple in Kerala. The temple is situated
at Kottukkal village in Thiruvananthapuram district.

MADAVOORPARA
ROCK CUT TEMPLE

Rock
cut Temples are one of the main styles of Kerala architecture in 7-9 century
AD. This cave temple is found at the mid-height of the rock, facing south
west. It has an oblong shrine, with rock-cut linga, an ardhamandapa and
pillared facade. The left wall of the ardhamondapa carries a Ganapathy
figure and the right side there is a figure of the local chieftain. The
temple is dated to about 850 A.D. Located at Iroopara village in Thiruvananthapuram
district.

AYYIPILLA
ASAN & AYYINIPILLA ASAN SMARAKOM

Ayyipilla
Asan is the author of Ramakadha pattu, one of the epic of ancient Malayalam
Poetry and Ayyinipilla Asan, his brothr is thee author of Mavarathapattu,
another book in ancient Malayalam. Considering the cultural and historical
impotance, a small edifice for the family deity of the celebrated ancient
poets of Kerala is declared as protected monument in 1987. It is a small
shrine with an extension. No particular idol in the sreekoil. Located
at Vizhinjam village in Thiruvananthapuram District.

NEERAMONKARA TEMPLE

This
Siva temple belongs to teh 14th Century A.D. It is in circular Dravida
style raised on a circular paved disc which forms the outer path of Circumambulaion.
The temple is a sandhara Prasada; it has aninner covered ambulatory in
addition to the one in the open. This lies behind the circular wall. Steps
lead upt to it. The inner wall of this inner ambulatory is square; it
is the wall of the prasada proper. It is surmounted by an octagonal dome.
The central shrine containing a linga is buildt of laterite, and between
it and the circular prakara wall there are pillars, two on each side of
the four sides. The temple is situated at Nemom village in Thiruvananthapuram
District.

VISHNU
TEMPLE ARUVIKARA

The
temple is of circular vimana with granite adhistana and plastered wall.
The whole structure is recently renovated. Considering its structural
peculiarity the temple is declared as a protected monument from 28-9-1966
onwards. Location : Maranallur taluk in Thiruvananthapuram District.

THRIVIKRAMANGALAM
TEMPLE

This
Mahavishnu temple is famous for its sculptural extravagance. The temple
appears to be very old. Certain sculptures in front of the temple depict
chola features of 11th and 12th centurie. The figures of Dwarapalakas,
Singers and Mridangists and the exquisite dance posses on the balustrade
to the lateral steps leading to the sanctum sanctorum aree worth to be
mentioned. Considering the artistic and cultural importance the temple
with 47 cents of land was declared as protected monument in 1965. Located
at Thirumala village in Thiruvananthapuram District.

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM
FORT

The
Thiruvananthapuram Fort is built around Sree Padmanabha Swami Temple which
was the centre of many historical events. Even though the work was started
in 1747, during the reign of Marthandavarma Maharaja, the Fort was completed
by Karthika Thirunal Dharma Raja in 1787 A.D. The height of the Fort is
about 15 ft. It was built in accordance with the plan of Thaikkad Vishnuthrathan
Namboothiri, a famous architect of that period. The Fort has four main
gaeways viz. Kizhakke kotta (East Fort), Padinjare Kotta (West Fort),
Thekke kotta (South Fort) and Vadakke kotta (North Fort). In addition
to these there are gateways at Sreevaraham, Sree Kandeswaram and Vettimuricha
Kotta at the south east side for the convenience of people.

Considering
the stuctural and historical value, in 1985 the Fort and Fort gates were
declared as protected monuments by the Department of Archaeology. Located
in Thiruvananthapuram District.

THIRUNARAYANAPURAM
TEMPLE

A
structural temple of 14th century A.D. Adhistana and wall are of granite.
Square vimana, tritala type of super structure, cloister namaskara mandapa
etc. are the main features of the temple. It is a sikara type having a
combination of the early Vijayanagara style of architecture with local
forms and features. The pranala is set on the kumuda in the kantha which
is of the main land type. It is sandhara type temple. The carvings especially
of the namaskaramandapa shows the characteristic early Vijayanagara style.
The temple is situated at Ottoor village in Thiruvananthapuram District.

KOTTAYAM

PUNDAREEKAPURAM
DEVASWAM

The
temple is of chathurasra vimana having sheet roof. Square arthamandapa
has beautiful carvings on the ceiling. Dwarapalakas present. Main deity
is Vishnu with Sathyabhama seated on Garuda. Beautiful murals are seen
on the lime plasted granite walls of the garbhagriha. The temple and the
murals are dated to the 17th to 18th century A.D and is situated at Vadayar
village in Kottayyam Taluk.

IDUKKI

MANGALADEVI
TEMPLE

The
temple complex on the top of the Magaladevi Hills facing the Cumbam Valley
of Tamilnadu consists of four shrines of different sizes and orientation
confined to a well defined Prakara with a fairly large sized Gopuradwara.
Among the four temple precincts one is large facing east with a covered
GarbhaGriha, Ardhamandapa and an open courtyard. There is a sub-shrine
with the trunk of an image, the naval of which appears to be that of a
female in Ardha-Paryanka pose. The image is made of soft granite. There
are other two sub shrine also in the complex; it is datable to 8-9 century
A.D.

Considering
the historic and Architectural value, the Department of Archaeology declared
it as a protected monument in 1983. Located at Kumili village in Idukki
District.

EZHUTHUPARA

.Ezhuthupara
at Marayoor is noted for the collection of Pre-historic cave paintings.
Pictures in this megalithic art gallery are drawn in two different media
consisting of reddish brown soil containing multicoloured iron minerals
and white clay soil. similar paintings have not been discovered any where
else in Kerala. Location : Devikulam Taluk in Idukki district. ERNAKULAM

KALLIL
ROCK CUT TEMPLE

The
unique rock cut temple at Kallil near Perumbavoor in Ernakulam district
which may be assigned to the peiod after 800 A.D. was originally a Jain
shrine. But during the period of th decline of Jainism, it got itself
transformed into a Hindu temple dedicated to Bhagavathi which it still
is. One of the facade of this rock shelter is carved an unfinished seated
image of Mahavira, represented also on the back wall of cavern.PAZHOOR PERUMTHRIKKOVIL

It
is sandhara type temple with cardinal doors on Four sides. The plinth
and the wall together are of granite stone work and the rest of timber
and sheet roof in circulr vimana. Dwarapalakas are made of wood. Main
deity sivalinga is facing east. Square ardhamandapa contains beautiful
wooden carvings on the ceiling. Pranala is a typical ornate Keral type
with standing yaksha bearing at its tip. It has some of the notable examples
of old workman ship in wood, illustrating various puranic scenes and figures
from Bhagavata, Ramayana and Mahabharata. The temple can be dated to 12th
century AD. Location: Muvattupuzha Taluk in Eranakulam district.PALLIPPURAM FORT

This
hexagonal building is the oldest extant European monument in India. It
was constructed by the Portuguese in 1503. It is popularly known as Ayakkotta
or Alikkotta. In 1663 the Portuguese surrendered it to the Dutch. About
1789, through the strategic diplomacy of Raja Kesava Dasan, the able Devan
of the Raja of Travancore, the Fort was purchased by the Travancore from
the Dutch. Location: Pallipuram village in Kochi Taluk.

OORAMANA
TEMPLE

This
structural temple can be datable to 12-13thh century A.D. It is of circular
vimana with granite stone plinth with plastered walls bearing beautiful
mural paintings. They include various puranic scenes like Gajendra moksha,
Sivathandava, Sastha on hunting, Sreerama Pattabhisheka, the war between
Rama & Ravana etc. Main deity is Narasimha moorthy facing east. pranala
of the ornate medieval type. Dwarapalakas are painted on the wall. Square
ardha mandapa carries beautiful carvings on the wooden ceiling.

The
temple is situated at Melmuri village in Ernakulam district.

STONE
INSCRIPTION (HEBREW)

This
inscription is seen in front of the Jews synagogue at Chennamangalam.
The Hebrew stone inscription having eight lines shows that the synagogue
was built in 1615 and the expenditure was met by David Gastiline, one
of the leader of the Jews. It was declared as protected monument in 1966
and is located at North Paravoor taluk in Eranakulam district.

STONE
INSCRIPTIONS, CHENNAMANGALAM

Stone
inscription lying in the church compound of

Vaipikkotta
seminary, Chennamangalam.

ARIYITTU
VAZHCHA KOVILAKOM

A
traditional style Nalukettu which was used for the Ariyittu Vazhcha, a
ceremony in connection with the coronation of the new heir of Cochin Royal
family. The old building in fornt of the Palliyarakavu Bhagavathy temple
stands as protected monument . Location: Mattancheri village in Cochin
Taluk Ernakulam district.SIVANARAYANA TEMPLE THIRUNAYATHODE

This
strutural temple is of Vritta Vimana. Granite stone for adhistana and
wall. Granite wall is coated with plaster on which murals are seen. Sandhara
type. Dwarapalakas in stone work are seen on all the four sides. unified
copper roofing for the whole temple, Unitary type without any subsidiary
shrines. Pranala set in the Kantha and supported by a gana figure. main
deity is Sivalingga in front of which is fixed the figures of Siva and
Vishnu in the same 'Pitha'. the concept is not of Sankara Narayana but
of Siva and Vishnu in separate entity having equal importance. The square
ardhamandapa poses carvings of Navagraha on the ceiling. This temple can
be datable to the 11th - 12th century AD. Located at Angamali village
in Ernakulam district.

MANJAPRA
TEMPLE

It
is a temple of square Sikhara type. The roof and all parts of the Sreekovil
is made of granite rock. Dwarapalakas are of granite. Ghanadwaras on three
sides. The main diety is vishnu in 'varadamudra'. This figure is dated
to about 9-10 century A.D. Idols of Ganapathy, Bhadrakali, Sastha, nagar
are also seen here. This type of temple is very rare in Kerala. Location:
Manjapra village in Aluva Taluk.

ULIYANUR
MAHADEVA TEMPLE

This
structural temple is in the form of vritha vimana with granite adhisthana.
A unified tiled roof for the whole temple. Sandhara type with four cardinal
openings with wooden doors, square namaskara mandapa with a granite Nandi
inside. Balipitha outside the Chuttambalam. Balustrades are of peculiar
type. pranala is of unusual pattern with a bull head at the tip and supported
by an Yakshi figure. Main deity is Sivalinga facing east. The temple is
datable to 12th Century AD.

Considering
the structural importance, the ancient temple was declared as protected
monument by the Department of Archaeology in 1998. Location: North Paravoor
Taluk in Ernakulam District.

OLD
KACHERI MALIKA

U.C.
COLLEGE, ALUVA

The
old Kacheri Malika is a beautiful building in which the Alangad Taluk
Kacheri functioned under the Travancore Kingdom. It is built in a blended
style of Indo-European architecture. From 1922 onwards the Union Christian
College has been functioning in this building. Location: Aluva Taluk in
Ernakulam district.KOTTAYIL KOVILAKOM

This
is a centre of historical importance. The word Kottayil Kovilakom means
the palace inside the fort. It is the place where the Royal palace of
the Villar Vattathu Raja, who ruled over the area of Chennamangalam and
adjacent coastal areas, was situated. The remains around the old well
is declared as protected site in 1936. A Vishnu temple and the remainsof
the Vaipikotta seminary are seen near by this protected site. The Kovilakam
is in North Paravoor Taluk.

VAIPIKOTTA
SEMINARY

Vaipikotta
seminary was built by the Portuguese in 1577. Many Vattezhuthu inscriptions
were encountered during the exploration done here in 1935. The potteries
collected from the nearby areas of the church are exhibited in the Archaeological
Museum Thrissur. The seminary with 50 cents of land was declared as protected
. Location: Chennamangalam village in North Paravoor Taluk.

THRISUR

SAKTHAN
THAMPURAN PALACE

The
old Vadakkechira palace, was renovated to the present style by Sakthan
Thampuran, the famous king of the Perumbadappu dynasty. Now it is known
as Sakthan Thampuran palace. It is a two storied building with a Nalukettu.
The palace is an exquisite example for the combination of Kerala-Dutch
architectural Style. Thick walls, tall ceiling, floor with beautiful Itlian
marble tiles and spacious rooms are the pecularities of this building.
Now it is a protected monument under the Department of Archaeology. The
palace is in Thrissur Taluk.

TIPPU'S
FLAG STAFF

The
flag staff of Tippusulthan which was erected in 1789 is now protected
in front of the Sakthanthampuran palace near the fort wall.

WESTERN
GATE WAY OF SAKTHAN THAMPURAM PALACE

EASTERN
GATEWAY OF SAKTHAN THAMPURAN PALACE

OLD
FORTIFICATION

The
eastern and western gateway and old fortification around the Sakthan Thampuran
Palace is also a protectd monuments due to its stylistic importance.

TWO
IMAGES

Two
stone images of Nagaraja and Nagayakshi under the Saptaparna tree in Vadakkechira
palace (Sakthan Thampuran Palace) compound are protected by the Department.

TOMB
OF ZAMORIN

A
monument put up at the Vadakkechira palace compound where Zamorin Raja
of Calicut was cremated in 1748.

TOMB
OF SAKTHAN THAMPURAN

A
monument put up at the same site where Raja Ramavarma alias Sakthan Thampuran
was

cremated
in 1805.

TOMB
OF RAMAVARMA RAJA
A monument put up at the palace site where Ramavarma Raja of Cochin was
cremated.
ANCIENT HOUSE OF ARNOSE PADIRI

AND

ST.
FRANCIS XAVIER FORANE CHURCH
Rev. Joannes Ernesto Hanxleden SJ was one of the most remarkable scholar
missionaries who dedicated their lives to enrich Malayalam literature
with their immortal contributions. The German priest, Father Hanxley -
den (Arnose Padiri) reached Kerala in 1700.AD. During the thirty years
of his life in Kerala he provided Malayalam with a varied and rich flair.
Important among them includes Puthen Pana, Umma Parvam, and Malayalam
Sanskrit dictionary. His Varthamana Pusthakam is written in chaste prose
and is a work of great literary merit. He was a pioneer prose writer in
Malayalam. Arnose Padiri built a residence for himself, 113 feet towards
the west of the St. Francis Xavier Forance in Veloor. It is a rctangular
two storied building resembling the pilgrim halls of Hindu temples. The
upper storey of the building is supported by nine pillars made of solid
rocks and five laterite stones.
The church of St. Francis Xavier Forance was constructed by Arnose Padiri
in 1724. It is a beautiful monument of Indo European style. The roof is
made in Kerala style with wood and is supported by fine huge wooden beams.
The ancient altar and the beautiful murals on the arch surface above it
add attraction to the church. The balcony at the back of the main hall
of the church having an area of 27 sq mts. is supported by wooden elephants.

Considering
their historical importance, the ancient house of Arnose Padiri and the
church of St. Francis Xavier were declared as protected monument in 1995
by the stat Archaeology Department. Located in Talappally Taluk, Thrissur

TRIKKUR
MAHADEVA TEMPLE

This
live rock cut temple is dated to the 8th century A.D. The Sivalinga faces
east and the door of the Garbhagriha is on the north. There is a Ganapathi
sculpture on the eastern wall. The arrangement of dwarapalakas and other
deities are slightly disturbed to suit the terrain of the rock in which
the temple and the figures have been carved. The linga is in the centre,
fixed on to a rectangular pedestal. There is an evergreen pond on the
top of the rock. The Temple is situated at Mukundapuram Taluk in Trissur
district.

VATTEZHUTHU
INSCRIPTIONS

A
granite slab with Vattezhuthu inscriptions on it. Measuring 6 ft by 4.5
feet. Now in the compound of the Thazhekkad church.

A
granite slab with a three line inscription in vattezhuthu measuring about
1 feet by 3/4 feet lying in front of the Sreekovil of the Thazhekkad Siva
Temple. Located in Mukundapuram Taluk Thrissur.

Monolithic
monument (Menhir type) one in standing posture having 12 feet 3 inches
height and 10 feet 6 inches broad. One in laying posture having 6 feet
length and 5 feet broad. Both are now inside the khadi and village industries
compound at Kuttoor village in Thrissur Taluk.

PORKALAM
DOLMANS

Three
dolmans already excavated by the Department. Contents including prehistoric
potteries and iron implements were taken to Thrissur Archaeological Museum.
The three dolmans with 5 cents of land located in THalappaally Taluk,
Thrissur.

KOTTAPPURAM
FORT

The
Kottappuram fort or Cranganoor Fort was built by the Portuguese in 1523
AD. Later it was captured and destroyed by the Dutch in 1662. The remains
of the Fort is protected by the Department of Archaeology due to its historical
importance. The remaining part of the original fort wall shows that it
was built by laterite and was 18 feet in thickness. Location: Kodungalloor
Taluk in Thrissur district.

ARIYANNOOR
TEMPLE

This
temple can be dated to 14th century A.D. The main deity Hari Kanyaka (Mohini
concept) is facing East. The temple has a granite adhisthana with laterite
but ornate wall. The murals and sculptures around Garbhagriha are almost
deteriorated. The temple with its walls, ruined gopurams, two stories
shrine and broken idol along with its constituent portion including the
two dwarapalakas and the wooden images attached to Namaskara Mandapam
are declared as protected under the purview of the protected monuments
Act by the Department of Archaeology in 1936. Location: Talapally Taluk
in Thrissur district.

NEDUMKOTTA
OR TRAVANCORE LINES

The
Travancore lines or Nedumkotta as it was called, ran from the Vaipin Island
to the Western Ghats and often through Cochin territory. It was mainly
a ditch 16 feet broad, 20 feet deep and 56 km long with a bamboo barricade
by its side, protected by ramparts and bastions at strategic points. It
was bilt during the reign of Marthanda Varma; Dalawa Marthanda Pillai
took up the work and captain D' Lannoy personally supervised the constructions.
Nedumkotta was destroyed in 1790 during the attack of Tippu Sulthan. A
portion of the ruined fort is protected at Palamuri and Kottavathil in
Thrissur District.

CHERAMAN
PARAMBU

The
Cheraman Parambu has an area of three acres. It is believed to have the
seat of the palace of Cheraman Perumal. The trial digs conducted in the
area has revealed the existence of a number of Chinese shreds along with
local potteries. Considering the historical importance, the site is declared
as protected .

Location:
Kodungalloor Taluk in Thrissur district.

IRUNILAKODE
TEMPLE

This
is one of the few rock cut temples in Kerala with a central figure on
the wall of the cell, datable to the 8th-9th centuries A.D. The main deity
is Dakshinamoorthy in sitting posture with his left leg placed over the
other, with serpents coiling round the body and with an Akshamala, Keyoora
and Khadaka on the two upper hands. The linga on the side is believed
by the local people as growing in size every day. The Temple is situated
at Talappally Taluk in Thrissur district.

KIZHTHALI
TEMPLE

This
is one of the Eighteen Thali temples in Kerala datable to early 13th-14th
century AD. It is dedicated to Siva. The old temple is in ruins and a
new structure in its place has been put up. The area is marked by the
presence of several broken and damaged idols of gods and goddesses and
some of them had been removed to museums. The idol in the structure probably
represents the one in the original temple. Located at Methala village
in Kodungalloor Taluk.

PALAKKAD

KATTILMADAM

It
is a monument dated to 12th - 13th centuries A.D. This beautiful granite
structure which is known as Kattilmadam is in Dravida style with octagonal
Griva and Sikhara. Its unique structure having ornated Sthambha pada,
peculiar pranala, huge granite pieces used for making the wall and the
rood etc. make it worthy to be protected. Location: Ottappalam Taluk in
Palakkad district.

MALAPPURAM

SREE
VENKITATHEVAR TEMPLE

This
Siva temple is ornated with the beautiful murals on the walls of the garbhagriha
and mgnificent wood carvings on the griva. The temple itself is a speciment
of indigenous style of temple architecture of 19th century. The 'Garbhagriha'
and 'Mukhamandapa' are square in form. Dwithala vimana with sheeted roof.
Dwarapalaka figures are of wood. Pranala with support at the tip.

The
writings on the wall of the Garbhagriha shows that the murals were completed
in 1053 M.E. The temple is located at Eranad Taluk in Malappuram district.

KOZHIKODE

MONUMENTS
INDICATING THE FIRST

ARRIVAL
OF VASCO-DE-GAMA

Vasco-de-Gama
landed at Kappad a few miles North of Kozhikkode on 27th May 1948. It
was an event which was destined to write the name of Kerala in the annals
of world history. A monument was erected there to indicate the historical
event.KOTTAKAL KUJALIMARAKKAR'S HOUSE
The house stated to be the residence of the Kottakal Kunjalimarakkar,
one of the heroes of Kerala history, is an ordinary single storied building
(new) built in laterite stones and with thatched roof. It is situated
in a garden land measuring 19 cents. The old house must have been destroyed
by the Portuguese in the 16th century. The wood works of the existing
house are very strong and substantial. They would suggest that they formed
part of same old house built previously.

Location:
Quilandi taluk in Kozhikode district.

TIPPU
SULTAN'S FORT

In
1788 Tippu Sultan transferred the capital of the Province of Malabar from
Kozhikode to the South bank of Beypore River and built a Fort at the modern
village of Feroke. But Tippu's grand project of founding a new capital
was ended in failure because he was compelled to retire to Coimbatore
due to the appraoch of monsoon. Considering the historical importance,
a part of the laterite fort remaining at Paramukku, Kottasthala is declared
as Protected Monument by the Department of Archaeology in 1991 The Fort
is in Kozhikode Taluk.

kalpathoor
paradevatha TEMPLE

Main
deity of this temples is Kirathamoorthy facing west. the ancient templeis
having granite adhistana with laterite wall. Dwarapalakas are of wood.
Pranala is usual ornate type with a gana support on its tip. The ceiling
of the 'Mukhamandapa' and the 'Balikalpura' have beautiful wooden carvings.
Almost dilapidated eastern padippura carries splendid carvings of miniature
figures on its ceiling, depicting different puranci scenes like 'Sree
Rama Pattabhishekam', 'Anantha sayanam', 'Siva Parvathi Parinayam' etc.
The temple can be dated to 14th centruy A.D.

Location:
Quilandi taluk in Kozhikode district.

WAYANAD

TOM
OF VEERA PAZHASSI

The
tomb of the celebrated historical giant and reputed warrior Veera Pazhassi
is a historical monument that has laid his great memories on the sands
of time. It is a protected monument under the Department. A small site
museum is also functioning here. Location: Manarthavadi Taluk in Wayanad
district.

Pazhassi
Raja: Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja belonged to Kottayam Royal Family. He
revolted againt the British revenue policy by organising the tribals like
Kurichiyas and Kurumbas of Wayanad. His strong guerilla warfare could
successfully resist the wicked British forces several times. He succeeded
in winning the full support of his people in this long war with the foreign
power. At last to the ingratitude of someof his fellowmen, the 'Lion of
Kerala' had to surrender. But before being captured byt he British he
is said to have committed suicide on 30th November 1805. The dead bdy
of the great patriot was brought at Mananthavadi in the leadership of
T.H. Baber the then sub collector of Malabar and buried there with all
respect.

CAVE
AT EDAKKAL

Ambukuthimala
or Edakkalmala is one of the principal hills of the Wayanad District.
Edakkal cave is found on its Western slope. The cave contains carved figures,
some inscription and symbols on the walls. The carvings clearly represent
human and animal figures. Human figures with peculiar head dress and swasthika
in various forms are distinctly carved. Specimen of circular 'Sun Symbols'
and some magic squares are seen engraved on the walls of the cave. It
is believed to be the ancient human shelters of 5000 B.C. Located at Sulthan
Beteri Taluk in Wayanad district.

The
cave and 50 cents of land is taken over by the Department and declared
as Protected

Monument
on 4-7-1985. KANNUR

THODEEKKULAM
SIVA TEMPLE

Thodeekulam
Siva Temple is famous for its murals which seems to belong to the middle
stage of Kerala mural tradition perhaps of the 10th - 13th century A.D.
The wall of the Garbhagriha is of laterite with plaster coating on which
mural scenes are painted. The temple is of Chathurasra Vimana, dwithala
with copper roof. No dwarapalakas. Main deity is Sivalinga facing East
Pranala is long and rather simple shaft channel set mildly carved at the
tip. In front of the square 'Namaskara Mandapa' is a granite Nandi. Balipeeta
is in the open. The temple issituated at Thalasseri taluk in Kannur district.

EZHIMALA
FORT AT ETTIKULAM

The
Ezhimala fort or Ettikulam Fort lies about 2 km. South of Mount De-eli
or Ezhimala. The fort was built by the Portuguese and subsequently held
by the French and the English. It consists of three hexagonal prismatic
structures, one of which has been completely damaged. the side walls of
the fort are of various lengths and are almost ruined.

Ezhimala,
may be a variation of 'Azhimala', which meant "The mount near the
Sea" was the seat of powerful kingdom which comprised the whole of
the present districts from Wayanad to Kasargod and produced the great
warrior king Nannan in the 5th century. In the later days Ezhimala was
the capital of Mooshika and Kolathiri Rajas. Location: Thalipparambu taluk
in Kannur district. KASARGOD

POYILKOTTA

This
laterite fort was believed to be built by the Bednore Naikans in the 17th
century A.D. The Fort is in complete decay. The remains show that the
original Fort was eight feet in thickness and more than fifteen feet in
height. Inside the Fort there is a temple, and a big pond with steps.
Considering the historical importance, the fort with an area of 8.44 acres
of land is already declared as protected monument in 1985 and is situvated
at Muliar village in Kasargod Taluk.CHANDRAGIRI FORT

This
ancient fort is made of hard laterite stones. It was built by the Sivappa
Nayaka of Bednore in the 17th centuryA.D, who established his authority
over the area and built a chain of forts. The Chandragiri river on which
it rises marked the traditional boundary between Kerala and Thuluva kingdom.
the two sides of the fort are facing the sea. There are eight view towers
with peeranky holes from which Uhe sea route can be guarded closely. the
main watch tower is facing north. On the eastern and western side there
are two underground passages. A deep well and a pond with flight of steps
are there inside the fort. The Fort with an area of 7.76 acres is located
at Kalnad village in Kasargod Taluk.PILICODE CAVE

It
is a megalithic site having an area of 3 acres 28 cents. A number of rock
cut tombs encountered in this laterite zone are of archaeological value.
The cave is at Hosdurg taluk in Kasargod district.